Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is still in pursuit of his first NBA championship, but he has gotten a lot closer than many other stars.

Speaking during an alternate broadcast of the All-Star Game, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green said he believes Tatum’s success early in his career has robbed him of some recognition.

“I don’t think JT will win his first MVP until he wins his first championship,” Green said. “He’s almost being punished for having so much success as a team early in his career.

Now it’s almost like you get on this clock that no one talks about, but you’re on this clock. He’s lost in the Finals, he’s lost in the Eastern Conference Finals, it’s like they don’t respect him quite like they should. I think it’s unfair, because he’s been having MVP type years.”

With Boston having the best record in basketball, and Tatum putting up dominant numbers, he certainly deserves some MVP consideration. While it’s hard to make a case for Tatum over guys like Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he should be near the top of the conversation.

For Green, he believes Tatum has been unfairly punished for having so much team success early in his career. Perhaps this will be the season the Celtics are able to break through and win a championship.